A Russian sapper working on the demining of Palmyra, with the town’s medieval Citadel in the background.

The Syrian government has transported as many as 2,000 civilians to Palmyra (Tadmur) on Saturday after the Russian military successfully demined the ancient city this past week. According to the Syrian Information Ministry, some 31 families that comprise of almost 2,000 people have already arrived and begun the process of moving back into their homes after fleeing the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) 11 months ago. More civilians are expected to arrive to Palmyra in the coming weeks as the government continues to encourage these residents to return to their homes.